Bee Moth vs Orange-tip
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bee Moth | Orange-tip |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aphomia sociella | Anthocharis cardamines |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Crambidae | Pieridae |
| Size | 30-42 mm wingspan | 38-48 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America (introduced) | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Bee Moth
A robust pinkish-brown moth whose larvae are nest parasites of bumblebees and wasps. Females enter bee nests at night to lay their eggs.
Did You Know?
A single larval web can contain hundreds of caterpillars that completely destroy a bumblebee nest.
Orange-tip
Males have bright orange wingtips; females are plain white with black tips. A herald of spring in European woodlands.
Did You Know?
Males patrol hedgerows searching for freshly emerged females, never visiting the same flower patch twice.